Welcome to Tightwad Cruising - What Do You Do?

[samsonsmamma]

What!? You spend less than $1500 for drinks on a cruise? Surely you're referring to a 30 day (or longer) cruise? How can you possibly have fun on a cruise without being so buzzed that you don't remember 1/2 or more of the cruise?

 

And I'll bet you've never spent $1500 for a piece of "priceless" "one-of-a-kind" art either . . . or had a $300 massage and walked out with $400 worth of "essential" products . . . or saved $800 by purchasing $1200 worth of gold by the inch . . . or put $1200 worth of quarters in the slot machines.

 

How can you possibly have fun on a cruise without all these vacation luxuries which help to beautify you and help you feel better, increase your investment portfolio, and simply add to the sheer enjoyment of your vacation?

 

I better not meet you on the cruise I'm subsidizing for you!!!!

 

 

Thanks for the best laugh I've had all week!!! :D :D :D

[CABandSLB]

Like others have said, I don't want to spend my vacation worrying about every little penny, but I also don't want to spend months afterward paying off the credit bill or wishing I hadn't spent so much. Yes, I want to look back and remember how much fun I had, but at what expense...mostly it depends on your means and not spending so far above it that you will regret it later. I also prefer to take advantage of what my paid cruise fare includes for free and have more left over later to cuise more often. I book as early as possible for a rate that is competetive and then watch the rates closely. If they go down for the category we have, I call the booking agent and ask for a refund or for an upgrade.

With that said, we are not drinkers so that in itself provides a huge savings when sailing. We take along a 2 liter bottle of Diet Coke and enjoy it occasionally in our cabin or poolside. Replacements can be purchased easily on shore if necessary. Otherwise, we are content with coffee, tea, juices, and water. We bring a travel mug from home so coffee can be toted outside the buffet to drink after dinner while awaiting the show or to lectures and such. Bottled water is really not necessary as I assume all drinking water on board must be filtered anyway. We simply bring a re-fillable bottle with sport top (used for travel as well) that can be washed out in the cabin sink and re-used daily.

We also do not gamble and in 5 cruises have not spent one penny in a casino. We prefer to avoid the smoke-filled areas anyway, so really nothing lost for us. If the ship provides a free incentive Bingo card, we go and play but never purchase any more. It actually amazes me how quickly and how much people spend money on Bingo - adds up fast with very little return or hope of winning. Doesn't sound like fun to me, but to each his own, I suppose. And, as an aside, I do appreciate those people who spend frivolously on drinks and gambling because they help keep my cruise fares reasonably priced. :D

Specialty restaurants - we will try one or two if on a longer cruise and are celebrating a special occasion while on board and usually have OBC to use for it. We have done a 9, 11 and 12 day cruise and usually are fine with enjoying the included dining options even on the extended trips.

Photos, spa treatments, shore-excursions are all over-priced and to be avoided if possible unless you have OBC to use up. We did splurge once though for on-board professional photography on NCL and we were not disappointed for the price. These are much more worth the cost than those quickly taken impromptu shots by the roving photographers. Art and gems are basically geared to encourage impulse buying and therefore are adamantly avoided, if for nothing else but principle! :mad:

Shopping in the ports is far more interesting, affordable, and provides souveniers of your trip - why would I want to spend time and money shopping on the ship? The only exception to this would be on end of sailings sea days when many cuise lines run $10 sales of all sorts of items. I got a beautiful silver clutch purse for $10, a pretty $10 costume ring and a matching watch/earrings/necklace set for $30 on RCCL. Now those were bargains and have brought many compliments when worn!

Someone else mentioned Park N Cruise hotel specials. This is a great option! We sailed recently from NYC and the parking for 9 days would have been $300 at the port. Instead we booked a Fairfield Hotel near the Newark airport for about $120 (which included a great breakfast), used the free hotel shuttle to the airport and then booked a transport from the airport and back for about $60 round-trip for 2. Our car was parked for free at the hotel in a secure area and we didn't have the hassle of navigating NYC traffic or finding our own way to the port parking area. Almost a 50% savings and got a good night's sleep and breakfast in the bargain! We used a similar option at Port Canaveral as well and it worked equally well. Great deal!

We have thoroughly enjoyed each and every cruise without spending a fortune. We make the most of the food, entertainment, organized activities, fitness area, ping pong, etc. that incur no extra charges and have never once felt as though we were missing out on anything. And in the end we have full recollection of every glorious minute, memory, and dollar spent :p. Can't wait to cruise again!

[rthling]

I've been reading this thread and was wondering something.

Many people mention bringing on bottled water, which sounds like a good way to save a little money, but RCI says it is prohibited. I don't want to buy it just to have it seized.

This is our first cruise and I've learned quite a bit from everyone. I was just wondering if I was missing something.

[firefly333]

I've been reading this thread and was wondering something.

Many people mention bringing on bottled water, which sounds like a good way to save a little money, but RCI says it is prohibited. I don't want to buy it just to have it seized.

This is our first cruise and I've learned quite a bit from everyone. I was just wondering if I was missing something.

 

If you are just carrying on a small amount of soda or water, RCL wouldnt stop you. But the water on the ships is filetered, I bring a empty bottle. My last two RCL cruises had FREE vitamin SF flavored waters, different ones every day. Cant figure out why that isnt enough for people. Im one who travels as light as I can.

[commission1]

I have sailed on ncl 5 times, celebrity once in early dec on the solstice, celebrity let us take two bottles of wine on board the ship, as long as we drank in our room and not the restaurant there was no corkage charge, I also brought a 12 pack of soda for a 7 day cruise, we told the room guy to empty the mini fridge so we used it to keep the wine and soda cold. The food on celebrity was much superior to that of ncl

[dougbass]

i disagree, our celebrity mercury food was not as good as our ncl cruise food

[paul929207]

I've been reading this thread and was wondering something.

Many people mention bringing on bottled water, which sounds like a good way to save a little money, but RCI says it is prohibited. I don't want to buy it just to have it seized.

This is our first cruise and I've learned quite a bit from everyone. I was just wondering if I was missing something.

The tap water on the ship is as good as or even better than the bottled water they sell. Save your money, bring some empty bottles and fill them on board.

[CanWeGoYet?]

Not to derail the thread, but I've found I swell badly if I only drink non-bottled water while on the cruise. I believe it's just as pure, if not more so than the bottled water. But I believe the sodium content is higher. Last cruise I brought on my own bottled water, and it's the only cruise I've taken in years that I haven't had major swelling.

[ChucktownSteve]

A lot of the suggestions were no brainers at saving on a cruise.

 

Here's one I discovered by doing research. I booked my current cruise while on my last cruise for the 3 cat upgrade and OBC. Then when I returned home, I found a travel agent who would give me another OBC for transferring the reservation to them. I found them by searching for a site with the words "cruise" and "compete".

 

The other thing is to be very careful regarding the OBC, (at least on Celebrity,) that the OBC is actually coming from the TA and not a pass thru from the cruise line. Celebrity won't let you combine the two if it's a pass thru. So I wound up with $350 OBC; $200 from the cruise line and $150 from the TA. Longer cruises get higher OBC, shorter ones get less.

 

Another way I saved money on the last cruise was to use Rum Runners to bring my favorite adult beverage onboard without detection by the Xray scanners. I used them for drinks in the cabin while getting ready for dinner or going out. However when we were in the lounges or main show enjoying the music, we purchased drinks there. We're not that cheap. Besides we have to use the OBC for something. ;)

 

We also fully packed one carry on size piece of luggage with cans of soft drinks (for mixers or drinking directly) plus bottled water which we put in the cabin's fridge. We had the cabin steward empty that for us. When the cruise was over, we had a small suitcase for things acquired during the cruise if needed.

 

Now those three are real money savers. :D

[rthling]

One more thing, I've told my children that if they would like the soda option, they may purchase it for themselves. (Really makes them decide if it's worth it, when it's their own money!) My son isn't sure he needs $4 of soda each day, but possibly just one with dinner a couple times during the cruise. (he's my tightwad!) Can he even do that? I wasn't sure if you can just buy a glass, or if you have to pay for the whole soda option.

[erdoran]

One more thing, I've told my children that if they would like the soda option, they may purchase it for themselves. (Really makes them decide if it's worth it, when it's their own money!) My son isn't sure he needs $4 of soda each day, but possibly just one with dinner a couple times during the cruise. (he's my tightwad!) Can he even do that? I wasn't sure if you can just buy a glass, or if you have to pay for the whole soda option.

You can on NCL, it's about $2 or $2.50 each plus 15%. There are also a couple of vending machines.

[paul929207]

One more thing, I've told my children that if they would like the soda option, they may purchase it for themselves. (Really makes them decide if it's worth it, when it's their own money!) My son isn't sure he needs $4 of soda each day, but possibly just one with dinner a couple times during the cruise. (he's my tightwad!) Can he even do that? I wasn't sure if you can just buy a glass, or if you have to pay for the whole soda option.

Princess also sell soda by the glass. $1.95 plus 15% tip.

[ChucktownSteve]

Princess also sell soda by the glass. $1.95 plus 15% tip.

 

If your cruise line lets you bring soft drinks onboard like Celebrity does, that's the better way to go. My 12 pack on sale runs about 25 to 30 cents a can without tip. It was $2.00 per can from my cabin fridge/mini bar.

[paul929207]

Princess allows you to carry on sodas among other beverages. I don't bother. I average less than one soda a week.

[rthling]

We'll be on RCI Adventure of the Seas. Any input as to if they sell soda by the glass or have vending machines? I told him he could just have soda when we are ashore, but he's eleven and would like some assurance, lol.

[Colorado Kat]

I was actually surprised that the cans of soda from the mini-fridge were so reasonable in price.

[texasag]

Love the laundry pack lighter and avoid over charging by airlines.

Love the specialty restaurants we find the cost low and the food much better $25 for Chops try that at Flemings or a good steakhouse.

Spa stay away, not much incentive for repeat business since you won't be back for a while and they are less expensive at home

Smuggle your own booze on board, you will have to figure that one out on your own. Although I do order wine at dinner.

No soda cards, they are terrible for you anyway. Always drink the iced tea. If you are a soda freak try giving them up the week of the cruise and see how much better you feel and if you lose weight.

No gift shops and very few excursions thru the ship we book our own.

Try and book more than 6 months in advance and get a discount with Crown and Anchor.

[pappagene]

Like others have said, I don't want to spend my vacation worrying about every little penny, but I also don't want to spend months afterward paying off the credit bill or wishing I hadn't spent so much. Yes, I want to look back and remember how much fun I had, but at what expense...mostly it depends on your means and not spending so far above it that you will regret it later. I also prefer to take advantage of what my paid cruise fare includes for free and have more left over later to cuise more often. I book as early as possible for a rate that is competetive and then watch the rates closely. If they go down for the category we have, I call the booking agent and ask for a refund or for an upgrade.

With that said, we are not drinkers so that in itself provides a huge savings when sailing. We take along a 2 liter bottle of Diet Coke and enjoy it occasionally in our cabin or poolside. Replacements can be purchased easily on shore if necessary. Otherwise, we are content with coffee, tea, juices, and water. We bring a travel mug from home so coffee can be toted outside the buffet to drink after dinner while awaiting the show or to lectures and such. Bottled water is really not necessary as I assume all drinking water on board must be filtered anyway. We simply bring a re-fillable bottle with sport top (used for travel as well) that can be washed out in the cabin sink and re-used daily.

We also do not gamble and in 5 cruises have not spent one penny in a casino. We prefer to avoid the smoke-filled areas anyway, so really nothing lost for us. If the ship provides a free incentive Bingo card, we go and play but never purchase any more. It actually amazes me how quickly and how much people spend money on Bingo - adds up fast with very little return or hope of winning. Doesn't sound like fun to me, but to each his own, I suppose. And, as an aside, I do appreciate those people who spend frivolously on drinks and gambling because they help keep my cruise fares reasonably priced. :D

Specialty restaurants - we will try one or two if on a longer cruise and are celebrating a special occasion while on board and usually have OBC to use for it. We have done a 9, 11 and 12 day cruise and usually are fine with enjoying the included dining options even on the extended trips.

Photos, spa treatments, shore-excursions are all over-priced and to be avoided if possible unless you have OBC to use up. We did splurge once though for on-board professional photography on NCL and we were not disappointed for the price. These are much more worth the cost than those quickly taken impromptu shots by the roving photographers. Art and gems are basically geared to encourage impulse buying and therefore are adamantly avoided, if for nothing else but principle! :mad:

Shopping in the ports is far more interesting, affordable, and provides souveniers of your trip - why would I want to spend time and money shopping on the ship? The only exception to this would be on end of sailings sea days when many cuise lines run $10 sales of all sorts of items. I got a beautiful silver clutch purse for $10, a pretty $10 costume ring and a matching watch/earrings/necklace set for $30 on RCCL. Now those were bargains and have brought many compliments when worn!

Someone else mentioned Park N Cruise hotel specials. This is a great option! We sailed recently from NYC and the parking for 9 days would have been $300 at the port. Instead we booked a Fairfield Hotel near the Newark airport for about $120 (which included a great breakfast), used the free hotel shuttle to the airport and then booked a transport from the airport and back for about $60 round-trip for 2. Our car was parked for free at the hotel in a secure area and we didn't have the hassle of navigating NYC traffic or finding our own way to the port parking area. Almost a 50% savings and got a good night's sleep and breakfast in the bargain! We used a similar option at Port Canaveral as well and it worked equally well. Great deal!

We have thoroughly enjoyed each and every cruise without spending a fortune. We make the most of the food, entertainment, organized activities, fitness area, ping pong, etc. that incur no extra charges and have never once felt as though we were missing out on anything. And in the end we have full recollection of every glorious minute, memory, and dollar spent :p. Can't wait to cruise again!

 

This sound exactly like the way we cruise. I know the cruise lines loose money on us cause we buy very little extra items. One of these days they are going to tell us that we owe them more money cause we didn't spend enough while onboard. We don't drink, can live without cokes, don't gamble, never spent a dime on specialty restaurants and very rarely buy ship photos. Man I am a cheapskate, I love it.

 

Gene

[Haoie]

We may have most all of you beat: Last cruise we didn't spend a cent on the ship [tips were prepaid].

 

We ended up getting a cheque back from Carnival for $10.80 [think it was something about a holding] when everyone else was getting bills.

[carribbound]

Before reboarding at each port we stop at a little store near port and grab a couple of sodas and waters to bring aboard. ALthough, that was on Carnival, I can't imagine it being much different on Princess.

[jilllofalltrades]

1. Buy a couple of photos on the last night only. You have every poses to choose from and won't regret buying a less desirable pose earlier in the cruise.

2. Book excursions off the ship. The smaller groups are more intimate and more locally flavored than the hearding of many passengers on the ships excursions.

3. Have the room steward empty your mini fridge and stock it with sodas that you brought on board. You can also keep two bottles of wine chilled in there.

4. Limit yourself to one momento per port that reflects the locale. You can only own just so many t shirts and magnets.

5. Buy only what you love. DH loves a massage at the beginning of the cruise. I love sitting on the Lido deck with a book and a bucket of beer.

He spends 100 bucks. I spend 20 and we're both just as relaxed.

6. Take advantage of the free little things. Order milk and cookies from room service. They're the bomb and absolutley free.

[Winnterpeg]

Rip off the locals. eat their stuff and then complain till they give you the two bucks back.

 

:)

 

Just kidding.

Dan

[rthling]

Well, we ended up buying the kids the soda option, after all. It didn't take long to realize something, though. The coke is mixed super lean, and you can see right through it. We started asking for it out of a can.

[turning40withMickey]

Well, we ended up buying the kids the soda option, after all. It didn't take long to realize something, though. The coke is mixed super lean, and you can see right through it. We started asking for it out of a can.

 

Diane, did they give you a can with the soda card??

[mheusser]

1) If you do the math, drinking coke 1.5 times a day on a 7-day cruise is cheaper than buying the $50 soda card. (Buying the card is basically an incentive to get fat - the more you drink, the better a deal it is. HINT: THAT'S NOT A GOOD DEAL.)

 

2) We do the cruiseline branded credit-card thing, pay with the credit card, (2x points), get certificates for stateroom credit, charge the tips to the credit card (2x points), charge stateroom to credit card (2x points). Considering using my thankyoureward points to help pay for the next cruise. (That's citibank, not 2x).

 

3) On RCCL, free drinks for people invited to the crown & anchor party (2nd cruise and after).

 

4) We're light social drinkers, huge savings vs. um .. shall I say ... less light social drinkers.

 

5) Considering buying stock in the company for the couple-hundred off per stateroom.

 

6) We /do/ tip well. C'mon. That's basically part of the salary, and it's not an easy life.

 

7) On RCCL, Crown&anchor society members get a little coupon book, that includes "free play" like coupons for gambling. Also, if you friends don't want theirs, they are likely to give them away. *cough*.

 

8) The first day typically has a sort of 'vendor show' on the promenade. There are some free samples, and, at least on Freedom-class RCCL ships, there is a package you can buy for something like $10 that provides you with something like $20 in chips. You can't cash them in directly, but combing #8 with #7 and you start out thirty bucks ahead. Play long enough that the "Special" chips and coupons are gone, and you're likely a few bucks ahead. Then quit. (Or use it to bankroll reduced-cost gambling. Your call.)

 

9) Trivia is free and sometimes generates souvenirs.

 

9) Freedom-Class ships have free ice cream on the pool deck from around 10AM-3PM. It's soft-serve, chocolate and vanilla. But, c'mon. It's /free/.

 

I try to find excuses to drop by the pool deck several times a day.

 

10) I have heard people suspect that the odds at the slots are best on the first day - that way you can get "hooked." Dunno if it's true, but everyone I know who has won did it on the first day or two and never went back. :-)